Marfan Syndrome

What Is Marfan Syndrome?

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder
of the body's connective tissue. Connective tissue gives structure and support to
all parts of the body, including the skin, bones,
blood vessels, and organs.

What Causes Marfan Syndrome?

Marfan syndrome happens because of an abnormality in one copy of a gene that causes
problems with the body's production of the protein fibrillin. This
protein is an important part of connective tissue. Weakened connective tissue can
lead to problems in many parts of the body, especially the heart, eyes, and bones.

Who Gets Marfan Syndrome?

Most kids with Marfan syndrome have it because they got the abnormal gene from
one of their parents, but sometimes it happens in a child without a family history.
Either way, each child born to a person with Marfan syndrome, male or female, will
have a 50% chance of inheriting the abnormal gene.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Marfan Syndrome?

People with Marfan syndrome are often tall and slender with long fingers and toes.
They also may have a long face, deep-set eyes, a small jaw, and a high-arched roof
of the mouth with crowded teeth. Their chest may cave in (pectus
excavatum) or stick out (pectus carinatum),
and they may have scoliosis (a curved spine)
and flat feet.

People with Marfan syndrome might also have other medical problems, including:

enlargement of the aorta (the large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart
to the body). If the wall of the aorta becomes very weak, it can tear and lead to
serious bleeding in the body.

heart valve problems

eye problems

a pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

The symptoms of Marfan syndrome can vary greatly — even within the same family.
Some people have very mild symptoms, while others have more significant problems.
This makes it impossible to predict what problems may develop as the child grows.

How Is Marfan Syndrome Treated?

There's no cure for Marfan syndrome because the gene change cannot be reversed,
but most of the symptoms can be treated. It's important for your child to keep regular
doctor's visits for testing of the heart, eyes, and bones. This way the care team
can find any problems early and start treatment right away.

Treatments may include:

limits on exercise, such as no strenuous activities and no contact sports or sports
where there's a risk of getting hit in the chest

Also, kids with Marfan syndrome should wear a medical alert device (a bracelet
or necklace) that says they have the condition.

When Should I Call the Health Care Provider?

Heart-related emergencies are extremely rare in young people with Marfan syndrome.
But call your health care provider if your child has:

chest pain

shortness of breath (especially during exercise)

an irregular pulse

sudden weakness or tingling in the legs and arms

an unexplained fever

sudden vision changes

Looking Ahead

Learning about Marfan syndrome and finding a knowledgeable medical team are important
for your child's care. Genetics follow-up
is recommended to help the family understand how Marfan syndrome is passed down to
children, and also to help coordinate screening and specialty visits.

Talk to your child honestly about the condition. Work with the care team to find
safe activities he or she can enjoy. Kids and teens with Marfan syndrome need to play
and laugh. They also should know that there are more things they can
do than things they can't.

Keep in touch with teachers and the nurse at school. This way, they can find ways
for your child to be included even if he or she can't compete (for example, instead
of playing in the soccer game, your child can be the scorekeeper). They also need
to know the signs of possible complications so they can respond quickly.

Support is available both locally and nationally
to help you and your child understand Marfan syndrome better.